Dr. Brockway is an independent consultant working in the cosmetic industry. She is a keen innovator and experienced scientist interested in all aspects of sustainability, cosmetic raw materials, AI, Omics and the new technologies. Recently she was involved in programs using DNA Technology in areas from the microbiome and epigenetics, to using DNA companion-identifiers for supply chain transparency. She is an enthusiastic follower of trends and is proud to have chaired most of the In Cosmetics’ Formulation Summits, which were held annually in London, and showcased the science behind the sea-changing trends in the beauty industry. For her doctorate she researched the post-translational modification of collagen. Later she lectured and researched in the fields of rheology and aspects of food science. Back in 1993 she joined the Body Shop and worked on many innovative projects involving sustainably sourced botanicals but she is especially proud of her part in the creation of their Hemp range. Barbara is a Fellow Member, a past President, past Hon Education Sec. and current Trustee of the UK Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS).

Giorgio Dell’Acqua is a scientist, innovator, and product developer. He is currently consulting for the wellness industry, and he is the Chief Science Officer at Veracity, where he is in charge of innovation and product development. Giorgio worked at Nutrafol as the Chief Science Officer, where he led innovation and formulation. Prior to that, Giorgio led science at Kiehl’s and worked with several other brands and ingredients companies to bring innovative products to the market. After obtaining his PhD in Cell Biology in 1989, Giorgio worked in Academia for 15 years in applied medical research. Moving into the private sector in 2000, he has spent the last 25 years as an executive in the personal care and supplement industry. During his career, he has directed Research and Development, Innovation, Science, and Product Development at multiple companies. He has helped bring 300+ successful active ingredients and finished products to market, authored 100+ publications in medicine, cosmetic science and supplements, holds two patents and continues to act as a keynote speaker on clean beauty, natural ingredients, and sustainability. Giorgio is also the chair of the outreach committee for the NY chapter of the US society of cosmetic chemists (SCC) and founder and member of the NY chapter SCC scientific committee.

Neil Burns is managing partner of Neil A Burns LLC, an investment and advisory firm focused on the surfactant and oleochemicals industries. He is also CEO of P2 Science, Inc. a renewable chemicals company. He holds a BSc. in Chemistry from the University of York, UK and an MBA from the Wharton School.

A PhD biochemist Theresa Callaghan is a skin care scientist and cosmetic product claim specialist.  With an international career spanning more than 30 years she has worked for a number of well-respected personal care companies including LVMH (while studying at the Pasteur Institute in Paris), Unilever (UK), Johnson & Johnson (France), Cosmoferm/Evonik (Netherlands), Hill Top Research (UK) and proDERM (Germany). Choosing to remain in Hamburg (Germany), in 2008 she set up her own consulting business, anticipating a need for more discipline of cosmetic claims, and furthering scientific developments involved in that process. As a scientist and the author of the popular book Help! I’m Covered in Adjectives:Cosmetic Claims & The Consumer,  Theresa is also very widely published, as well as providing an education platform for Claims Development.

Theresa gives regular workshops and presentations and is a major contributor for peer-reviewed and trade journals, as well as authoring behalf of clients internationally. She sits on the scientific editorial board of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, and is an active member of a number of professional societies including the UK’s Society of Cosmetic Scientists. In 2020, Theresa was appointed as guest lecturer at the University of Sunderland School of Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc course in Cosmetics.

Belinda is the Director of the Institute of Personal Care Science (www.personalcarescience.com.au), an International Training Organisation providing Certificate and Diplomas via distance education in the formulation, development, brand management and regulatory affairs for personal care and cosmetics.

She is a regular presenter at major International events and her work can be found in many national and International publications and Special Chem formulators site. She is the Official Technical Advisor to the in-cosmetics Group internationally; and has written 5 books on Beginners and Advanced Cosmetic Formulation, Organic and Colour Cosmetic Formulation and Brand Management.

She has a Bachelor of Natural Therapies, a Diploma of Cosmetic Science and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is a member of the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists (ASCC). She was the winner of the 2013 Annual Industry Award from CHC Australia for her contribution to research and training and was a finalist in the Australian 2010 Telstra Business Women’s Awards in 3 categories.

Mathias holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from the University of Basel, with a postgraduate in Marketing from KS St. Gallen. Before joining the cosmetic industry, he gained business experience in various positions across several industries (Pharma, Diagnostic).

He joined DSM through the acquisition of PENTAPHARM. Until 2017 he held the position as Head of Global Marketing for Skin Care at DSM and was responsible for creating and executing the global growth strategy. Since 2017 he is responsible for the global research for bioactives and vitamins with his team. At the same time, he took over the scientific lead for DSM’s activities in the skin microbiome field. His working experience focuses on:

• Leading multifunctional and cross segmental teams
• Designing innovative products based on customer and consumer value propositions
• Acquisition and successful post-merger business integration
• Global working experience with deep cultural awareness & network, focus markets Japan and US
• Extended experience in portfolio management with more than 30 global product launches.

He is member of the Swiss SCC and the US SCC, and the Swiss Society of Industrial Pharmacists.

In his spare time, he involves himself in coaching of young scientific talents as a foundation council at https://sjf.ch.

Besides that, he likes to spend quality time with his wife and his 3 children, and you will find him often in the Swiss mountains, either with his skis or his Nikon camera.

Dave Hemingway has a B.Sc in Rural Resource Science and started his career with the National Farmers’ Union in the UK where he worked for 8 years, mainly in the Brussels office. Later he joined Jaguar Land Rover as EU Governmental Affairs manager and most recently worked as Senior Government and Industry Affairs Manager at Bayer. Dave joined the A.I.S.E. team in October 2021 as  Senior Director of the newly formed Public Affairs and Communications department.

Graduated in chemistry and biology from ISPICA in France, a higher education institute in the field of perfume, cosmetics, and flavouring, Cyril is an innovative and passionate scientific consultant with 10+ years of experience in the cosmetic industry. Throughout his career, he has authored over 25 peer-reviewed articles, columns in cosmetics media and conference presentations.

Core areas of expertise are:

• Efficacy testing for claims substantiation of finished products and active ingredients.
• Development and implementation of new methods for novel product claims.
• Skincare devices and apps.
• Front-end innovation.
• Statistics and data science.

Popularisation of cosmetic science and clinical testing to non-scientific audiences, in radio shows or magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Forbes”

Andrea is a Chartered Chemist and holds a PhD in Polymer & Colloid Chemistry, a MChem in Industrial & Applied Chemistry and a Diploma in Innovation Project Management.

Andrea has worked for both Manufacturers of Specialty Ingredients and finished Cosmetic goods.

In fact, since 1998 he has been covering roles in R&D, Innovation and Formulation Technology in multinational companies such as Oriflame R&D, Neal’s Yard Natural Remedies, Dow Corning, Lamberti Chemical Specialties, Intercos and 3M.

Andrea is Author and Co-Author of more than 50 scientific communications (including articles, lectures, posters & patents) on various subjects of Cosmetic Science including anti-ageing, natural preservation, natural cosmetics, polymers, rheology, emulsion technology, formulation technology.

He is a Member of the Scientific Committee of the British Society of Cosmetic Science (SCS), of the Editorial Advisory Board of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, of the Scientific Advisory Board of H&PC Journal and of the Italian Society of Rheology.

Andrea is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Director of Science & Technology of the International Society for Phytocosmetic Science (ISPS).

Andrea is now an independent consultant offering services within his fields of expertise, mainly:

• Natural/Organic-certified technologies in cosmetic science
• Research, Development & Innovation in Cosmetic Science
• Cosmetic Formulation Chemistry
• Raw Materials: Development, Characterisation, Optimisation and Application
• Rheology & Colloid Science applied to Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Technology Scouting; Identification, development and implementation of Intellectual Property opportunities, including articles, patents and creation of bespoke ingredients/technologies

PhD in Organic Chemistry, Münster 1992 Degussa AG, Goldschmidt Home Care, Essen, Germany Head of Development and Applied Research Worked as Management Consultant: McKinsey & Co, Inc, Düsseldorf Dicke & Wicharz GmbH, Neuss Joined Th. Goldschmidt AG 1993.

Dr. Michelle Niedziela (PhD) is a behavioral neuroscience expert in neuropsychology, psychology and consumer science. Experienced from academia (Monell Chemical Senses Center) and industry (Johnson & Johnson, Mars Chocolate) in R&D of innovation technologies and methodologies for consumer research. As Scientific Director, HCD Michelle focuses on integrating applied consumer neuroscience tools with traditional methods used to measure consumer response.

Tony O’Lenick has published six books, numerous articles and has over 300 patents. He received the 1996 Samuel Rosen Award; the 1997 Innovative Use of Fatty Acids Award; the 1996 Partnership to The Personal Care Award and the Maison de Navarre Award in 2018. Tony was President of the U.S. SCC in 2015, Education Chair of IFSCC from 2016-2019 and is currently Vice President Elect of the U.S. SCC.

Strategic Cosmetic Industry Expert /Entrepreneur /Mentor From regulatory compliance to market innovation—20+ years of building solutions that matter in the cosmetic industry. Founded and exited a B2B compliance company and pioneered SAAS technology for CPSR automation, demonstrating both technical mastery and market intuition. Today, I’m channeling this deep industry knowledge and would love to connect visionary entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of cosmetic science, sustainability, and consumer innovation.​​​​​​​

Giulio Pirotta has more than 30 years of experience as a professional consultant, technical manager and regulatory expert for cosmetic companies.

He is also a board member and regulatory officer of the Italian Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Account auditor in the Order of pharmacists Council and a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and the American Chemical Society and law court expert.

Education

• University Degree in Business Sciences with specialization in Management of Quality Systems, top grade.

Professional activity

• Managing Director and Technical Director at Vevy Europe S.p.A., company qualified in research and production of specialized actives and excipients for the dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.
• Cosmetic Senior Scientist and Head of the Research and Development Department at Vevy Europe S.p.A..
• Author of several scientific publications.
• IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors) Principal Auditor PQMS (Pharma Quality Management Systems).
• Coauthor of the EFfCI GMP Guide (Quality Standard for the cosmetic ingredients production and distribution).

Academic activity

• Professor on Contract at the Pharmacy Department of the University of Genova, Cosmetic Products class.
• Member of the teaching staff at the Biomedical Science Course of the Institute for Advanced Studies of the University of Genova.
• Member of the teaching staff at the Master for the Management of Chemicals, University of Genova.
• Member of the teaching staff at other Academic and non-Academic courses.

Institutional positions

• Current and former President of MAPIC (group of Federchimica representing the Italian companies dealing with the cosmetic ingredients and the additives for the pharmaceutical industry).
• Member of the General Council of Federchimica.
• Vice-President of EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients).
• Member of the Board and Head of the Technical and Scientific Working Group of the Chemistry-Plastic-Textile Section of Confindustria Genova.
• Member of the Board of SCI (Italian Chemistry Society), region Liguria section.
• Honorary Member of SICC (Italian Society of Chemistry and Cosmetology Sciences).
• Other institutional positions in sector institutions.

50 years old, a brilliant communicator, eclectic, leader, and team builder with a technical background. A chemistry graduate from the University of Milan, he entered the cosmetics market over 20 years ago.

He has gained international experience spanning from SMEs to multinationals, holding various roles within companies, from research and development to business development worldwide.

Currently, he serves as the Secretary General of EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients), where he manages and coordinates activities related to the needs of the EU cosmetic ingredients industry. He oversees 8 working groups, supports industry initiatives, and represents the sector in all global institutional settings and to all stakeholders.

Dr. Mark Stalmans graduated in 1983 as Agricultural and Chemical Engineer at Leuven University and obtained a Ph.D. in colloidal and interphase chemistry in 1986. Since 1987, he works at Procter & Gamble in Brussels, where he managed environmental and human safety programs as well as regulatory, lifecycle analysis and sustainability assessments for a diverse range of laundry and cleaning products. He has been Council Member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) from 1994 until 2000. Since 2001, he works in the external relations department of the Fabric and Home Care Global Business Unit of Procter & Gamble and heads the West European communication and stakeholder programmes for sustainable innovation and on-line scientific communication (via www.scienceinthebox.com and www.info-pg.com).

Serena Tongiani graduated from University Perugia, Italy, with a diploma in Pharmaceutical Science and a PhD in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science from University of Urbino, Italy.

From 2002 to 2005 she worked at the University of Kansas as research associate conducting research on new drug delivery technologies. During this time, she synthesized and structurally characterized a new family of cyclodextrin derivatives with superior binding capacity.  These derivatives provide a universal tool to formulate insoluble drugs. She holds the worldwide patent for this derivatives that are still representing one of the most potent and innovative tool in various field of research. Several start up and spin off companies have been started based on this technology and she is actively collaborating to augment the business around this polymers in several field spanning form drug development to cosmetic and nutraceutical applications, (only as an example the 2C technology of the Infasil deo products is based on this technology).

In 2005 Dr. Tongiani joint Schering Plough Corporation in the US headquarters and started to work in the oral and solid formulation product development group. There she followed the development of new chemical entities from bench to commercialization scale up with the chance to follow all the regulatory approval stages supervising a cross functional team of scientists and technicians.

In 2008 she took over the responsibility of the anti-inflammatory drug development group in Merck where she was engaged in the setup of the phase III studies for one of Merck major drug candidates. She progressed her carrier adding international experience in various managerial roles with increasing responsibilities that included several strategic business decisions. She has managed multifunctional teams, spanning from R&D, production and BD specialist overlooking sensible budget decisions.

In 2010 she took over the position of Head of Preclinical Development departments in ACRAF, Angelini, located in Santa Palomba, Rome, and shortly after, in May 2011, became R&D Director. In this responsibility she has led the research group, including the in vivo and in vitro pharmacology group and the clinical team, to develop drug products for various therapeutic area supporting the company portfolio. She balanced the Angelini R&D pipeline to include projects in early development in the main company core areas (Pain and Inflammation, Nervous System and Antinfectives, and for all the consumer goods including main global brands such as Amuchina, Infasil and Anjelif and Tantum) as well as projects in the late stage of clinical development to support the life cycle management of the products already included in the company portfolio. She also started a dynamic approach to the Angelini’s R&D pipeline that gained to the group several partnerships with center of excellence around the world and several awards and recognitions as best R&D management.

Furthermore, given the Angelini diversified portfolio she started to develop and manage the regulatory registration not only for pharmaceutical products (OTC, Rx and hospital) but also in the cosmetic, nutraceutical and homecare field. She was among the leadership team involve in the acquisition of Infasil and Thermacare.

In 2015 Serena was appointed Chief Scientific Officer in Angelini with an overall responsibility for the company portfolio development, supervising also the Business Development and Regulatory Affairs activities. She has been involved in the licensing in of innovative anti-infectives and CNS drugs for Angelini global market and in the Marketing Authorization acquisition and EU launch of the CNS drug Lurasidone.

For Lurasidone she also managed the pediatric plan EU approval and implementation.

Serena holds several worldwide patents and is the author of more than 70 publications and several editorials and positioning paper. She is actively organizing and moderating pharmaceutical conferences in her area of expertise and she was among the founders of the Italian Drug Discovery network.

In 2020 Serena started a new position as Chief Scientific Officer in IBNSavio, an Italian SME.

In 2021 Serena accepted the position of Chief Portfolio Officer in Indena leading company dedicated to the identification, development and production of high quality active principles from plants, for pharma and healthfood.

She is still following her passion for innovative delivery systems and their application in several fields including consumer health nutraceutical and cosmeceutical product. Serena seats in the scientific board of the TKS publisher and she served as board member and scientific advisor in the University of Torvergata spin off C4T specialized in innovative drug discovery services. In her current position global management skills are essential to take strategic business and investment decision and in order to benchmark a continuous improvement she recently concluded successfully the INSEAD program in Finance for Executives.

Marisa Plescia is an experienced cosmetic chemist with extensive expertise and education, having received degrees and completed coursework in both the USA and Europe. She has earned four graduate degrees in Cosmetic and Fragrance Science, Business, and STEM education, graduating from both the University of Cincinnati Cosmetic Science program and ISIPCA in France. As the founder of FemChem Beauty, a R&D and formulation consultancy, Marisa leverages her years of experience as a formulator to innovate and create. A dedicated member and volunteer in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, she was the Twin Cities SCC Chair (2020-2022), the NextGen Committee Chair (2020), and will serve as the President of the Board of Directors for the SCC in 2026. Marisa has written articles on cosmetic chemistry as seen in trade publications, and has been quoted and featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including in the Washington Post and New York Times. Marisa is extremely passionate about cosmetic chemistry and living her childhood dream of a career as a cosmetic chemist.